Topic: Last night in Westport
- May 28, 2007 10:26pm by DjShad
Now that I got your attention...
Man last night I had a discussion with members of heet mob about the benefit that was thrown and it was kind of upsetting. It made me put things in perspective about the "scene" here. I'm going to keep it clean, but crucial but it was a DJ/MC battle last night and hardly no one shown up.
before you blame them they took the steps in promotion radio with 95.7 for the commercial side, the hip hop week event for the underground/backpackers and the pitch for everyone else.
It was many icons in attendance but to see "the movers and shakers of the scene was sadly lacking." People are trying to get events in venues that ordinary wouldn't have hip-hop, but if people don't show, why should a group of us try to talk to venues about events.
I mean the rap battle was hot and there was only one dj in the competition and since no one was in the battle he won a free set of turntables that's right a free set of turntables.
If we offered this in other markets, people would have jumped at the chance to win free turntables and battle to prove yourself. I mean im not the greatest dj by any means and we all are not the greatest rapper but who is the next talent in this city, lets face it, we are not getting any younger. i have already found my replacement last night in the dj battle.
Many people talked about the battle and stated they would be there, but if you put your word in, you should show up. It's disappointing because its proves to venue owners why should we have events and take the heat if no one shows up. People wonder why the hip-hop scene is lacking and this proves it.
I know many people are leaving the market because opportunities are presenting their selves elsewhere and I don't blame them for leaving, why stay in a sinkhole when you can go elsewhere and make it.
It’s a reason why many people don't claim Kansas City after they blow up and I see their point. I mean like the article in the pitch, he is correct we are just in one big circle doing the same 2 step.
There are people who are outside the circle that are making moves and you will hear about then later, but its time for us to stop being complacent and working on some next level stuff.
It’s 1.3 million people in this city and thats not including the suburbs and surrounding markets are we gonna stay stuck in the same circle in this city or progress to move outwards to show the world our sound.
- May 28, 2007 11:46pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
and to top it off, the peanut was busting at the seams last night ( partly because they did their usual double message thing yes upstairs open then NO not enough staff to open)
so more than half the club was on the sidewalk chatting and hanging out cuz it was hot hot hot up in there!
I know heet mob was promoting on myspace, they flier-ed hiphop week, I don't listen to commercial radio so I would have heard that, and I always scan the music section of the pitch, but I missed the promo in there.
last but not least, it was NOT posted here, which may or may not have helped their cause
hell I think the other issue that needs to be brought out in the hiphop community is the double, triple, even quadrupel EVENT BOOKING that happens ALL THE TIME
and . . . . . .
The the FACT that little or no meaningful promotion is targeted at the larger community . Hiphop remains a well kept secret in the larger community. folks ask me all the time where there are events happening and I refer them here to the EVENTS LIST ON THE FRONT PAGE.
believe it or not this site is getting somewhere between 6 and 10 thousand hits each day best day monday weekend is weaker but hey that makes sense cuz its party time not chat time.
as you can see by now from my comments, I see the issues and I am sure there are many more
in the meanwhile let me offer a few thoughts regarding this subject:
everyone is wanting support for their performance and some take it really hard if you say you will be there and then don't show
THAT'S LIFE, PEOPLE DO THIS ALL THE TIME NOT JUST IN THE HIPHOP COMMUNITY
Artists often by mistake or maybe even out a competition, BOOK SEVERAL EVENTS on the same day.
hungry to perform and get the party rockin, folk work for nuthing or next to it, could care less about splitting the local hiphop fans and this tops it for me, bitch about no support from local club goers.
HOW MANY HONEST TO GOD HIPHOP FANS EXSIST IN KANSAS CITY?
AND I MEAN BESIDES ARTISTS WHO PERFORM?
What is the local community doing to encourage participation in the scene,
from middle and late adapters to hiphop music, not culture.
plenty folk like a beat and the sound of hiphop without wanting to live THE LIFE. no judgment from me on that, but hey the local scene is not all that friendly or outgoing from a marketing/ information standpoint.
I know , miles sike, mac, soundsgood, rich the factor, flo, adell, bill pile, downplay, and about a handful others are communicating marketing maniacs thank goodness cuz without that going on the local hiphop scene would not exsist for the larger kc metro
another little thing I been pondering is ALL THE DJ GIggin around the metro and the deficit of performance going on. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT
Yes it is cheaper to hire one of them (I said it), but hey area artists don't mind working for free, so why not share the wealth DJ's?
I friend who is an amazing guitarist, who DJ's at places they rarely if ever hire hiphop. then there are the dj's who work all the time, but joc, shad, hank and some of the more seasoned djs cant' get the time of day
reminds me of the local jazz performers when go-go dancers damn near shut down jazz performers in kansas city. Why you ask? cheaper, more reliable, whatever. just like some of the dj's I mentioned, jazz musicians had spent years apply themselves to their craft only to be replaced by a jukebox and legs hoppin.
like bars care about artists and innovation not they care about liquor sales and playing their rent and utilities. LIKE ARTISTS DONT' HAVE THE SAME CONCERNS.
SHIT this conversation goes no where
later
- May 28, 2007 11:50pm by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff...
www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
i heard about that event a few days before...
but like so many sunday night before i just went to the Peanut like i always do.
i totally forgot that event was going on.
I might have saw one myspace message....but i didn't get an e-mail about it nor did i see a printed flyer.
that sux that no one showed..
but good news for the cat who won those decks..ha
sweet!
- May 29, 2007 12:07am by DEMENCHA
i find it weird that hylanda put a post on syde-sho.com (a local EDM message board) about the battle but not on hiphopkc...
p.s. you should've called me Will!
- May 29, 2007 12:14am by Les...Izmore - "Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens"
www.Izmore.com
twitter.com/LesIzmoreHOD
www.youtube.com/izmoremusic
IZMORE/Soul Providers/RRC Location: MIDDLE OF THE MAP
I think I heard about it a few days back but I didn't know who put it together so I just went to the Peanut. Personally I just didn't hear about it enough.
It definitely thins the scene out when there are same-day events. But you have to look at it like: this event is here every week or month or whaterver and this event is just a single event so you should support that event if you think it is worth your while.
- May 29, 2007 12:30am by MILES - [url]http://www.MilesBonny.com/[/url] Location: KCK
I'd love to chime in but this could go on forever.
So far.. I agree that if it was posted on HHKC it would have helped.
(ps - I would have been there if I didnt have to DJ.)
- May 29, 2007 02:34am by JDFlow - [url=http://www.my.rawkus.com/profile/jdflow]JDFlow on Rawkus[/url]
[url=http://www.myspace.com/jdflow]JDFlow on Myspace[/url]
[url=http://ccedistribution.blogspot.com/]Distribution & Marketing[/url] Location: Seattle
So...the circular maze of logic validates itself. A hot hiphop show in KC with little to no partons... hmmm? Check your history. You're not the first, second, third, or last so don't be so surprised. It's almost expected.
- May 29, 2007 03:27am by Whatsgood
Also it was horrible timing to have a show considering it was memorial day weekend most people are at the lake also add in a lot of graduations and graduations party. I know the resteraunt I work at is usually super busy on weekends but not this past weekend. With that said I was gonna check out that show but i've been sick the past few days.
- May 29, 2007 04:20am by Atilla_Beatsmith - [email protected]
www.myspace.com/manwithahammer Location: the Beatcave, U.S.A.
[quote:404010a117="Whatsgood"]Also it was horrible timing to have a show considering it was memorial day weekend most people are at the lake also add in a lot of graduations and graduations party. I know the resteraunt I work at is usually super busy on weekends but not this past weekend. With that said I was gonna check out that show but i've been sick the past few days.[/quote:404010a117]
yeah, that's A LOT of stuff to compete with for people's time. I didn't even know about the event...but had other things planned anyways...
- May 29, 2007 04:34am by Lucidialect
I didn't hear diddily shit fo fiddle stix about an emcee battle. I check myspace, I check here, otherwise word of mouth is the route. Yeah, not surprised for a lack of turnout.
The Minor Madness shows and such Sike was throwing years ago had good turnout, and I remember driving any and everywhere hiphop might be various times throughout the two weeks prior to the event. I'm talking, not just flyers, but [b:545f5640f5]posters[/b:545f5640f5], stopping people and talking to them, fucking for real promotion. And I was one of a dozen doing this in a concentrated fashion. If it's a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly thing, flyers and steady posts will ensure people stop by to check it out. For the one-nighters, more footwork is necessary, straight up.
But also, in our scene, like half the fans are artists. I don't know what else to say about that.
- May 29, 2007 04:37am by Deta!L - I just said that so you would stop bothering me.
[quote:37974eb9d4="Lucidialect"]
But also, in our scene, like half the fans are artists[/quote:37974eb9d4]
I think that is just about everywhere now, but for sure in ks
- May 29, 2007 05:13am by Talysman
I don't even really go to stuff anymore because it felt like I was watching the same thing again and again. I've always wondered about one thing though. The local rappers who do a more mainstream friendly type of music in this area seemed to have stepped their game up on events in the last few years. You know:
* street teams
* flyers/posters
* radio spots
* radio singles (they prolly' know somebody at the station)
* vans with their album cover posted all over them in a huge decal
* commercials
* actually having the places they sell CDs pub their product
* building a fan base in one area, and then moving on to the next spot
* Maintaining crew mentality; using each others resources collaboratively
This is nothing that we all haven't seen but probably something that we all won't admit. The people who go out to all of the clubs and spots where hiphop is not played on a regular basis probably don't spend a lot of time on sites where hiphop is promoted either - so cats really don't focus on [inter]net promotion in this area. Consistent cats (those who would keep showin' up to your shows) barely rely on the paper to keep them in the loop - they work by word-of-mouth.
Now I see this type of convo pop up every month or so, but yo - if you do the same thing each time, you see the same results each time. Try something other than newspaper spots and e-mail lists or depending on your myspace page. If people always throw away your flyers rather than hold on to them and actually utilize the information on them -- QUIT HANDIN' OUT FLYERS.
Study your tactics and use the ones that work best for YOU.
ENHANCE WHAT WORKS and experiment at the same time.
If it's broke - fix it.
What worked for SIKE or MILES won't work for everyone. What works for Anti-Crew or Reach won't kick it for everyone. But that's because they figured out what works for them - and what their audiences would go for.
Study your stuff and plan your marketing well otherwise your money and efforts are wasted each time.
I'll put my money where my mouth is in a little bit, but now is not the time. I hope this hiccup in the scene cleans up, and that this isn't any sign for events this summer (cuz those turntables sound dope) - keep the scene alive by using what works for you - not by using what worked for someone else.
And if the double-booking is really hurting you all that much - then please - work with one another to avoid the double bookin. Sheesh - it's not like you don't have each others' phone numbers, clear shows with one another before you set anything in stone. Otherwise you may be doing more damage in the long run than you'd like to - and only hurt everyone in the end [It's not like anyone is depending on this to "eat" around here - just bread on the side right?].
My two cents...
- May 29, 2007 06:16am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
seconded. . . .. . . . .
- May 29, 2007 03:06pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
www.emceereach.com
www.myspace.com/reach
www.twitter.com/emceereach
www.youtube.com/reachtv
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
You make excellent points Talys.
I just moved a show so I wouldn't have to compete with that Brother Ali show on the 6th.
I'm listening Necia. I really am...
😀
- May 29, 2007 04:49pm by ThirdUnheard
I rode around all weekend with my girl and all she listens to is 95.7 the vibe and I didn't hear one ad for this battle. I did see an ad that was run in the Pitch but it was on the BACK PAGE with the DUI lawyers and Quick money making schemes!!! Lets face it as far as dj battles go this town is fucked!! The only time I see dj's come out of the woodwork is when SKU hold's his scratch sessions at the peanut and wherever else he holds them. It seems that dj's don't want to battle anymore they just want to scratch and thats sad.....real sad. I don't dj but I do love dj's and respect the artform they represent. This stuff makes my stomach hurt. But like whoever else said this should be expected around here, hell I was at a show at the brick awhile back and only 2 people showed. What gives?????
- May 29, 2007 08:32pm by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff...
www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
we should have a dj dance off!
see who can rock the crowd the hardest for 20 min or something..
haha
it's hard to judge...but it would make for a fun night.
it's kinda like the Pitch dj battle they threw at Skybox...
so i guess that was it..
ha
anyway..
- May 29, 2007 08:54pm by mythik - www.myspace.com/mythillogical
www.myspace.com/barbaricmerits
www.barbaricmerits.com Location: Kansas City
[quote:172f19a20f="ThirdUnheard"] The only time I see dj's come out of the woodwork is when SKU hold's his scratch sessions at the peanut and wherever else he holds them. It seems that dj's don't want to battle anymore they just want to scratch and thats sad.....real sad. I don't dj but I do love dj's and respect the artform they represent. This stuff makes my stomach hurt. But like whoever else said this should be expected around here, hell I was at a show at the brick awhile back and only 2 people showed. What gives?????[/quote:172f19a20f]
Why would anybody want to battle if no one shows up anyway?! Granted I didn't even know about the event, and probably wouldn't have entered anyway with so much friend/family stuff going on this weekend already. To say that dj's here don't step it up is plain silly. Just Saturday night Dublow and myself had six turntables set up with Dj Innovation from St. Louis at the Newsroom, and we were rocking the shit out of the place for like ten people. Yeah it was a free show, yeah it's small... big fucking deal. I'm doing this shit because I love playing records, not because I'm trying to get rich and famous and have people swing from my nuts every show. Sure I love to scratch, but tell me how dj battles are any different than every other mc battle I've ever seen. ie: Talk shit to everyone, brag about bling and claim to have all the hoes. Great. Now people think you're a dick, you're more in debt, and have dingleberries on your balls. Super. Battles are one small aspect of all this, I respect anyone who has taken the time to prepare and compete in one, but to think that's the only way to go is sadly mistaken.
- May 30, 2007 01:21am by cha-chE - www.myspace.com/tactickc
www.myspace.com/brent22
[quote:f3d816278e="sikestyle"]we should have a dj dance off!
see who can rock the crowd the hardest for 20 min or something..
haha
it's hard to judge...but it would make for a fun night.
it's kinda like the Pitch dj battle they threw at Skybox...
so i guess that was it..
ha
anyway..[/quote:f3d816278e]
if people would actually come out and DANCE and quit holding up the wall...i'd be down for this.
- May 30, 2007 04:49am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
Check this out! I intended to do this anyway so we as a community could see just how well we are doing with providing entertainment to the larger community while at the same time meeting personal needs of expression.
I feel this an amazing example of talent, committment, and honing of skills
how about you?
[size=24:a7c4367df1]These are events that happened during the month of MAY:[/size:a7c4367df1]
05.30.07 Strictly Reggae Happy Hour starts this Wed
05.30.07 Goodword, Soul Servers, Pro Rev
05.27.07 - Miles Bonny hosts Afromentals on Sirius Radio
05.27.07 MIDDLEGROUND PARK JAM TIME @ CASE PARK
05.26.07 - BARBARIC MERITS // ROBB STEELE // PANDELERIUM
05.26.07 Dance Fever!! and every Saturday night
05.26.07 Dj Shad Spinning in the Bottoms
05.24.07 Memorial Day Jump Off ! feat Str8jakket and more
05.23.07 SHADOW'S goin away party @ the Jumpoff!!!
sage francis and buck 65
05.19.07 Celebrate Hiphop Week Finale`
05.19.07 - FEEL SEXY music lovers DANCE PAR-TAY
05.19.07 Mini Networking Wksp by NRG 4 Celebrate Hiphop Week
05.19.07 LA SYMPHONY in KC
05.18.07 Mac Lethal, Deep Thinkers, DJ SKU $2 pints of beer!
05.18.07 Hiphop Community Kickball Game
05.18-20.07 BEST OF THE BEST
05.17.07 The Breakers Have it Tonight
05.17.07 Lymbyc System, SYMBOL HEAVY CREW, OK Jones
05.16.07 The Jumpoff Presents:NOVELTY and Dublow's Birthday!
05.15.07 History Nite * TIME CHANGE 7 to 9 pm
05.13.07 It's Honor Moms and DJ's Nite @HH&HWs
05.12 – 19.07 2nd Annual CELEBRATE HIPHOP WEEK
05.12.07 Heet Mob+Grillin and Chillin Kick Off @ The Clinic
05.12.07 3rd Annual TROOST Festival
05.11.07 Martin Cultural Center aka TEEN TOWN
05.10.07 EL-P, MR.DIBBS & The Might Quin, Yak Ballz...
05.09.07 - Reach/Izmore/Below Zero.
05.07.07 Ms. FeFe and Malena-MIXTAPE RELEASE PARTY MAY 7TH
05.06.07 HiphopKC Forum Alive @ The 64111 Clinic
05.06.07 Pseudo Slang @ HH&HW
05.05.07 Cinco De Mayo!!
05.05.07 Ladies Springtime Brunch and Shower 4 Sunshine
05.05.07 Liberation Day: NORML's Global Marijauna March
05.05.07 Joc Max, DJ Shad, Cinco de Mayo @ Dance Fever
05.04.07 Dj Shad On Underground Heat
05.02.07 The Jump Off presents..FOOD 4 THOUGHT Release Party
05.01.07 Justice For The Children Of Immigrants March
[size=18:a7c4367df1]every week no matter what else is happening:[/size:a7c4367df1]
Sticky: Every Saturday The Show-Me Mix KKFI 90.1 FM 9 to 11p
Sticky: Every Friday- Sku and Konsept @ Flash:Fridays
Sticky: Every Friday - BEATDROP w/ DJ's Ian and Kiko
Sticky: Every Friday - SuperWolf Spinnin
Sticky: Every Thursday- Dj Sku- Tabu Thursdays
Sticky: Every Wednesday - The Jumpoff w/ Mythik and Dublow 7
Sticky: Every Wednesday - Strictly Reggae/Bassline Pressure
- May 30, 2007 05:44am by Atilla_Beatsmith - [email protected]
www.myspace.com/manwithahammer Location: the Beatcave, U.S.A.
Thanks for posting that Necia. It's good to step back and take a good look at what's going on...
- May 30, 2007 01:22pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
glad you see it that way Atilla. another interesting thing to know is that this list represents only the events that got posted here in MAY. I would guess that maybe half again more happened that are not listed here if not more.
Now that is really something to ponder. that is a whole lot of entertainment being provided by the local hiphop/ pop culture.
whoa!
